This submission is by Drew Gresik, from the metro Chicago area.
This fire occurred during the late afternoon in Chicago’s South Lawndale neighborhood. The Main FAO redirected Truck 32 from an EMS run so they could take in the fire at 2459 S. Central Park Avenue. Reports came in of people trapped in a 3-story, occupied apartment building, 75×100.
Drew Gresik photo
Drew Gresik photo
Engine 38 and Truck 48 arrived first-in and reported a working fire. Battalion 14 arrived on-scene, reported people trapped, and requested the Box. The fire was tricky and moved throughout the upper floors of the building, and the incident was soon upgraded a 2-11 Alarm. It was quite hot that day, so a lot of resources were brought to the scene.
Drew Gresik photo
Drew Gresik photo
Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago responded to the scene and called a 3-11 on his orders before finally striking out the incident. Two women were rescued via ground ladders from the 2nd floor in Sector 1. Still alarm companies (including the Working Fire response) were: Engines 38, & 109, Trucks 48, 32, & 52 (RIT), Battalions 14, & 13 (RIT), Command Van 2-7-1, Squad 1, Ambulances 34, & 10 (RIT), plus Paramedic Field Chief 4-5-7. Engines 38, 109, 107, 99 and I believe 95 hit hydrants on this fire. Trucks 48 and 32 laddered the roof and Squad 1’s Snorkel was put to work in Sector 1.
Drew Gresik photo
Drew Gresik photo
Interestingly enough, I was less than 8 blocks from this location when I heard the Office redirect Truck 32, so I arrived as Engine 38 was stretching the first line.
Drew Gresik photo
Looks great when they were on-scene that day. Engine 38 left and in came Truck 32. Only thing was, Truck 32 was decorated in the form of Truck 81. Did you see that?